CTAF: the “air to air” frequency

  • February 12, 2023

Flight instructing is a challenging and rewarding career, and one of the most important skills a flight instructor must master is communication on the air to air frequency. In San Diego airspace, this frequency is especially important as there is a large volume of aircraft in the area.

The air to air frequency, also known as the common traffic advisory frequency (CTAF), is used by pilots to communicate their position and intentions to other aircraft in the vicinity. This is especially important in busy airspace, such as San Diego, where there are many aircraft flying in close proximity to each other.

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As a flight instructor, it is important to teach your students the proper use of the air to air frequency. This includes when to transmit, what information to include in their transmission, and how to properly listen and respond to other aircraft.

When transmitting on the air to air frequency, pilots should clearly state their position, altitude, and intended flight path. This information allows other aircraft in the area to know where the aircraft is and what to expect. For example, a pilot might say, "San Diego traffic, Cessna 12345 six miles east of Montgomery Field, at 2,500 feet, inbound to Montgomery Field."

It is also important to listen carefully to the air to air frequency and to respond appropriately to other aircraft's transmissions. Pilots should always acknowledge other aircraft's transmissions and take any necessary evasive action to avoid a potential collision.

In addition to teaching proper communication techniques, flight instructors should also teach their students about the airspace in and around San Diego. This includes the different airspace classifications, the location of airports, and any special procedures or restrictions that apply to the area.

Overall, communication on the air to air frequency is a critical skill for flight instructors to teach their students. By mastering this skill, pilots will be able to safely navigate the busy airspace of San Diego and other areas.